Andrea Furness
In a heartfelt win for local students and their families, the Daylesford Dharma School has expanded its Breakfast Club program, thanks to generous support from the Daylesford Foundation.
The school trialled a small but mighty breakfast and lunch pilot in Term 2, and the results were clear: when kids start the day with a warm, nourishing meal in a caring environment, they thrive. Teachers noticed calmer classrooms and more punctual arrivals, while families often stayed to share meals, strengthening bonds across the school community.
Led by local food champion Miri Taube, the pilot served six breakfasts and lunches over three weeks, using ingredients from nearby growers, co-ops and ethical suppliers. Students tucked into buckwheat pancakes, potato rostis, hearty soups and stewed fruits—often trying dishes they wouldn’t normally eat at home.
With renewed funding, the Breakfast Club will now run through Terms 3 and 4, offering free meals two mornings a week for students and their families. Each breakfast is made from seasonal, spray-free or organic produce, sourced in collaboration with local farmers, businesses and the Hepburn Wholefoods Collective.
The program has been made possible by the Daylesford Foundation, a philanthropic organisation dedicated to strengthening wellbeing, resilience and opportunity for young people across Hepburn Shire. Their commitment to equity and community capacity aligns closely with the Breakfast Club’s goals of inclusion, nutrition and engagement in learning.
Funding also helps keep costs low—meals come in at less than $4 per head by buying in bulk and sourcing produce directly from farmers.
Principal Andrea Furness says the benefits extend well beyond food. “Breakfast programs are also about connection and a soft start to the morning for busy families,” she said. “It brings children, parents, teachers and young siblings together and sets the tone for the day. This supports student learning with a calm start, a full belly and a renewed sense of belonging.”
As the Dharma School continues to serve up more than just breakfast, its shared meals are sowing the seeds of student wellbeing, family connection and lasting learning success.
Andrea Furness is the Principal of the Daylesford Dharma School.
